Monday, June 13, 2011

A Tale of Two Tables

I love library tables. They don't take up much space and they often are able to finish the look in a place where nothing else fits. The above picture you have seen before, it is an antique library table that has been sitting in our entry (at the top of the open staircase to the basement) since we moved into this house 8 years ago. The table belonged to my paternal grandparents. It didn't come to me directly from them. It actually was purchased by my in-laws (who collected and sold antiques for many years) at best guess, back in the 70's.

The table below, is leftover from the "Cottage Look" furniture that I bought for the living room when we moved in. That was a big mistake for me and that furniture lives in the basement now. Did you ever decorate an entire room and while it looked great, it just "wasn't you" and made you uncomfortable? Well, that was my cottage phase for me. Anyway, the table has always been a too light for the furniture we have now, but I worked around it. It is now in the garage and will be in the fall garage sale.

As of last week, I've made a slight change. At the top of the stairs now sits a different antique library table. You can follow along by looking at the base of the tables in order to see the difference. The table below has been in my in-law's living room for decades. It was purchased by them back in the 70's as well. It belonged to my maternal grandparents! When my in-laws retired over 20 years ago, they told me they wanted me to take one of the tables. I still remember my mom telling me to pick the paternal table, "it is a better table, with a prettier base". I had actually forgotten that the other table was also from our family, but my husband remembered. We have been spending many hours going through my in-laws home. We are having an auction on July 9th and you can't imagine the antiques that are being sold. My grandmother's table is now living at our house, very near the table of my other grandmother.

These tables have both lived long lives and

they have come home to rest. How cool is that?

We have been so busy that my blogging is still at a slower pace than usual. My dad and my son arrived safely in Florida yesterday. I hope to catch up around here this week. If I've missed something you think I need/want to see, tell me in the comments please.

Love the two tables and I agree, the library tables don't take up space and one can put them almost anywhere...I love it where you have it, by the stairs. I also like the other and your vignettes on them. Hugs, FABBY

Hi Sue!Your tables are beautiful ~ the deep wood tones of the antique table is just gorgeous ~ especially the curves of the wood.Curves are a good thing :o)You must be working so hard... I wish you good health, strength and some quiet moments for yourself.Have a wonderful week, laugh often ~ enjoy the time with your family as you prepare for your auction!*Blessings always, Maria

Sue, I hope you have a little time to breathe!Your library tables have such great forms, and to think they have been in your family. That is what makes them all the more special!I hope you have a successful auction!Yvonne

Sue, I am , once again, sorry for your loss. I do love all your tables and I think you could repurpose the white one. I wish I lived nearby and I would buy it at your sale. Are your sure you couldn't paint it and put it outside someplace? Love your recipe for rice krispies. I agree that you have to use real butter and the thicker the better. Joni

Let's see...well, for starters, you are missing the Sorority garden party today. :(I had to post last year's garden photos 'cause with this drought, my grass is brown and my flowers are dying.:(You might want to stay in touch with the Sorority as she has several things planned for the summer.

Brenda at Cozy House is needing sweet words and many prayers so you might want to go over.

Can't think of anything else right off hand.So good to have you back with us.:))

These are beautiful tables, Sue! True classics that look just as good today and don't need any fancy paint jobs. The bases are great. I love furniture with interesting bases or legs even if the tops are plain.